Barcelona will entertain Rayo Vallecano at the Nou Camp this Saturday night as they try to secure a positive result on the opening weekend of this La Liga campaign. The Catalan giants need to make a strong start if they are to put pressure on Real Madrid in the title race. Hence, they will be hungry for the three points this weekend.
Xavi will set his players up in a 4-3-3 formation and is expected to name a strong team for this game. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will probably get the nod to lead the line for Barca in the final third.
4-3-3 Barcelona Predicted Lineup To Face Rayo Vallecano
Defence
Marc-André ter Stegen will play in goal for the Catalan giants as he looks to keep a clean sheet in front of the home supporters. Gerard Pique could get a chance to resume his defensive partnership with Ronald Araujo at the centre of Barca’s backline as they focus on keeping the opposition at bay during the 90 minutes.
Sergino Dest might get a chance to impress at right-back while Jordi Alba hopes to give a good account of himself as the left-back. Xavi will give both of them the freedom to get forward and cause a few problems for the opposition full-backs.
If registered on time, Jules Kounde could be named on the bench.
Midfield
Pedri, Sergio Busquets and Gavi will function as Barcelona’s central midfielders. The gifted trio will look to dominate possession at the centre of the park and orchestrate enough chances for the home team to win this contest.
Frenkie de Jong might be available on the bench as he looks to come on and impress in the second half if required.
Attack
Ansu Fati should get the opportunity to catch the eye as the left-sided wide player as he looks to use his quickness and agility to cause a lot of chaos inside the opponent’s penalty box. Memphis Depay will probably get a start despite facing an uncertain future at Catalonia. The Dutch attacker will try to make a difference from the right flank.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to lead the charge for Barcelona on his own up top. The Gabon international has a decent goal-scoring record at the Nou Camp and would be eager to get his name on the scoresheet this weekend.
If registered on time, Robert Lewandowski will be a part of Xavi’s bench and might come to add more firepower to Barca’s attack in the latter stages of the game.